I think Rob_s stated in an earlier thread, “how can you say one is better unless you’ve used both”
I had a chance to do this at the recent Magpul class, ran both…
I am curious to others opinions who have run both slings…
I tried the non-padded Vickers sling and went back to the padded VTAC sling. As much as I wanted to like the VCAS I just couldn’t get used to it.
I ended up giving the VCAS to a classmate in one of LAV’s classes.
Just my personal preference.
I own a standard Vickers sling and a padded VTAC MkII sling and and have been using both for a while now. I personally prefer the V-Tac sling. I know I’m not comparing the padded versions but my reasons for preferring the VTAC have nothing to do with the padding.
I like the longer range of adjustability of the VTAC and for “me” it’s easier to adjust, especially one handed with the weapon hanging free, than my Vickers.
I also like the ablity to cinch the weapon tightly to increase shooting stability regardless of what position I’m in. This also ties in with the ability to cinch the weapon tightly when going handsfree. With my Vickers sling properly adjusted I could never cinch my weapon I tightly as I could with my VTAC.
The dangling portion left over when pulling the VATAC tightly has not caused “me” any issues and has never gotten caught or got in the way of anything. To me this compromise is worth it for the extra adjustability.
At one time I actually refused to use the VTAC because of the adjusting style. It’s a good thing I gave it try even though I really did my best to dislike it.
I have also changed the way I’m mounting both slings. I used to mount both with the rear connector on a receiver end plate and front connector to the first rail address after the barrel nut.
I found that moving the sling connectors to the end of the stock and further forward on the handguard made manipulations such as mag changes, (IAD)hitting the bolt catch and using the charging handle much easier for “me”. Basically running the gun in general was smoother without the slings being so close to the receiver.
I now hook up both slings similar to how Kyle Lamb shows in his book. You would never think the designer of the sling would know the best way to run it would you? I guess I’m just a hard head and had to learn the hard way…
I don’t think you can go wrong with either sling. Try both and use the one the fits your shooting style best.
To me, it is a no brainer. The BFG Vickers sling uses FAR superior materials than that of the Viking.
The other thing is that BFG slings are made in the US. The Viking slings (unless you get one on a .Gov contract) are most likely made overseas.
C4
I agree the BFG sling uses better materials and I got my latest VTAC from Bravo Co but I have no idea where it was made.
Regardless, it still works better for my needs…
I’ve run the padded Viking and the Victory series. In my mind, close enough to make the comparison. If you don’t agree, feel free to ignore the rest of the post.
The tail that hangs out of the VTAC sling when it’s not adjusted all the way out tended to find it’s way to being wrapped around something or under something else that I didn’t want it to be. I thought it was annoying, especially given the way I was using the sling, which had all the slack taken up most of the time, with the ability to run the sling out if I wanted extra room. Maybe I was using it in a manner it wasn’t intended to be, I don’t know.
I think the adjustment method on the VCAS is cleaner. That’s why I prefer the VCAS.
Derek,
So, are you going to tell us what your thoughts are on these two fine slings? Don’t hold out on us after starting this thread…
I do favor the Vickers over the other, the adjustment range seems to fit my kit/arm length/rifle better. The only thing that bugs me about the vickers is that the sling swivels are not sewn in…
The materail does appear to me, higher quality over its competitor.
And from what grant metioned above, I try to buy american made products when I can…
The only thing that bugs me about the vickers is that the sling swivels are not sewn in…
Are you sure about that?? I guess you have not see the “G&R” version of the Vickers sling then.
C4
I have one of the ones Grant shows above, with the QD sewn in. I prefer it over the versions I saw with the fastex.
I can’t comment on the VTAC, haven’t tried it.
Does the VCAS have enough adjustment to enable the shooter to transfer shoulders while wearing IBA?
Thanks
I got a padded VTAC some time ago as a parting gift from a course. It was my first real experience with a professionally constructed tactical 2-point. Everyone within earshot of me soon learned how great I thought 2-points in general were, and about the VTAC specifically. It worked as well as a three-point for general use, better than a one-point for most use, and I could easily transition the weapon to either shoulder.
I was less than enthused about the VCAS (Vickers) on my inital exposure, probably just because I like the VTAC so much. But I kept hearing praises sung about the VCAS from good friends and others, so I finally bought one.
I gave my VTAC away within a week to a friend so he would have a decent 2-point. I kept the VCAS for myself. I will put one on all of my rifles soon.
Though I like the VTAC, I like the VCAS more. It is more streamlined and simple, with no loss of functionality. In armor, the pad benefit is irrelevant (to me). I made minor mods to the VTAC to prevent the loose tail from interfering with manipulations and gear, but there is no need to “band-aid” the VCAS.
I have the VTAC padded from Larue. I like it.
I’m not sure ML would put his name on an oversea made sling…my 0.02
I’m willing to give a try to the new padded bfg